Chor Minor Bukhara Uzbekistan
A whimsical 19th-century madrasa entrance with four distinct minarets, offering a unique architectural charm and a peaceful local vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Chor Minor Bukhara Uzbekistan
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A whimsical 19th-century madrasa entrance with four distinct minarets, offering a unique architectural charm and a peaceful local vibe.
"A curious, compact landmark with four asymmetrical minarets — packed with charm and symbolic architecture."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the unique four minarets against the sky. The surrounding greenery adds to the charm.
🚶♀️ A Local Stroll
Enjoy a walk to Chor Minor; it's a bit outside the main tourist area, offering a more authentic feel.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Four Minarets
Main structure
Four distinct, intricately decorated minarets stand as a unique architectural statement, each symbolizing different influences.
Charming Courtyard
Surrounding area
A peaceful space with grapevines, fruit trees, and local children playing, offering a glimpse into daily life.
Symbolic Architecture
Minaret designs
Each minaret boasts a unique design, representing historical dynasties and cultural influences of the region.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Unique Architectural Gem
Beyond the Main Tourist Path
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the unique four minarets against the sky. The surrounding greenery adds to the charm.
🚶♀️ A Local Stroll
Enjoy a walk to Chor Minor; it's a bit outside the main tourist area, offering a more authentic feel.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
A small shop inside offers souvenirs, a nice addition to the visit.
🌳 Relaxing Atmosphere
Appreciate the peaceful surroundings with fruit trees and local children playing.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the unique four minarets against the sky. The surrounding greenery adds to the charm.
🚶♀️ A Local Stroll
Enjoy a walk to Chor Minor; it's a bit outside the main tourist area, offering a more authentic feel.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
A small shop inside offers souvenirs, a nice addition to the visit.
🌳 Relaxing Atmosphere
Appreciate the peaceful surroundings with fruit trees and local children playing.
🐦 Bird Nests
Look out for the cute bird nests atop one of the minarets – a delightful detail!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chor Minor is appreciated for its unique four-minaret architecture and peaceful, local atmosphere, offering a charming contrast to Bukhara's grander sites. While some find it small and lacking interior access, its distinctive design and pleasant surroundings make it a worthwhile visit for those with extra time.
"If you have extra time during your trip then you can visit Chor Minor. It’s a small but unique structure with four minarets—quite different from the grand madrasahs in the area. While there’s not much to explore inside apart from a small shop, the surroundings are charming. You’ll find grapevines, apricot, apple, and cherry trees, adding a lovely natural touch. In one corner, there are swings where small children were playing, giving the place a peaceful, local vibe."
Kaif Kamran
"This mosque is I think the only one landmark which located a bit outside of the tourist area. I walked to see this and felt that the structure is interesting but small compared to other mosques. I didn’t enter but a lady is selling souvenirs."
Shioka Okamoto
"Just meh….
Saw great reviews on travel groups but this is just it. A very small building. You probably saw a lot of other buildings that look better than this by now. No way to enter. A dress shop inside the main gate. Territory under development. Local kids playing around. Well atleast theres two cute birds on top of one of the monuments 👮🏻"
Nahiyan Srotosshini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chor Minor is located a bit outside the main tourist area of Bukhara. You can reach it by taxi or by taking a pleasant walk, which takes about 20-30 minutes from the Lyab-i Hauz complex. Many visitors find the walk enjoyable and a good way to see more of the city.
While direct public transport routes might be less frequent, taxis are readily available and affordable for reaching Chor Minor from anywhere in Bukhara. It's a popular destination for a short taxi ride.
Approaching from the front allows you to capture the iconic four minarets. The surrounding area also offers different angles, especially with the greenery and local life.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Chor Minor itself is generally free, as it's a historical site. However, if you wish to purchase souvenirs from the shop inside, that would be a separate transaction.
Chor Minor is an outdoor landmark and typically accessible throughout the day. There are no strict opening or closing hours for viewing the exterior.
While the exterior is the main attraction, there's a small shop located inside the main gate. Access to the upper levels or the original madrasa structure is generally not permitted as it's a historical monument.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main draw is the unique architecture of the four minarets. You can admire the distinct designs, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. There's also a small souvenir shop and the surrounding area is pleasant for a stroll.
A visit to Chor Minor is relatively short. You can comfortably see and photograph the site in about 30 minutes to an hour, especially if you enjoy the surroundings.
Yes, the open space and the presence of local children playing can make it an interesting spot for families. The unique structure is also visually engaging for kids.
Restroom facilities are not typically advertised or readily available directly at Chor Minor. It's advisable to use facilities at your hotel or a nearby cafe before visiting.
Chor Minor stands out due to its unusual four-minaret design, a departure from the grander mosques and madrasahs. It was built as an entrance gate to a now-vanished madrasa, giving it a unique historical context.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating a warm glow on the minarets. Midday can be harsh, but the unique structure is photogenic at any time.
The classic shot is from the front, capturing all four minarets. Experiment with angles from the sides and consider incorporating the surrounding trees and local life for a more dynamic composition.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and permissions before flying a drone in Uzbekistan, especially near historical sites.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip for families: Bring snacks and water, as facilities are limited. The walk to Chor Minor can also be a fun adventure for kids, allowing them to see more of the city beyond the main tourist path. The unique architecture is sure to spark their imagination!
📸 Photographers
+1Photography tips: Experiment with different angles to showcase the individuality of each minaret. Incorporate the surrounding greenery and the occasional stork nest atop the minarets for added charm. The peaceful atmosphere also allows for unhurried shots without large crowds.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Solo traveler advice: Embrace the walk, enjoy the tranquility, and don't hesitate to interact with locals if the opportunity arises. The small souvenir shop can also be a good place for a brief, friendly exchange.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Architecture of Chor Minor
Unlike the grand, imposing structures typical of Bukhara's historical center, Chor Minor is more compact and whimsical. Its design is often described as a 'whim' or a 'violation of architectural norms,' yet this very uniqueness has made it a beloved national treasure. The building's purpose is debated, but it likely functioned as a monumental gateway, a visual marker for the madrasa, and possibly housed a library on its upper floor. The intricate details on each minaret, from the patterns to the stork nests often seen atop them, offer endless fascination for visitors.
While the original madrasa is gone, the gatehouse of Chor Minor remains, standing as a testament to the merchant's ambition and the architectural creativity of the era. Its location, slightly removed from the main tourist hub, adds to its charm, offering a more tranquil experience. It's a place where history, unique design, and a touch of local life converge, making it a memorable stop on any Bukhara itinerary.
Experiencing Chor Minor: Beyond the Structure
While the interior of the madrasa is not accessible, a small souvenir shop is often present within the gatehouse, offering visitors a chance to pick up mementos. The presence of this shop, along with the general ambiance, contributes to the site's unique character. Some visitors have noted the territory being under development, suggesting ongoing efforts to preserve or enhance the area.
For photographers, Chor Minor presents a delightful subject. The four distinct minarets offer numerous angles for capturing stunning images, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The unique design and the surrounding natural elements provide a rich backdrop for memorable photographs.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit